Do you want to recognize a great athlete who started their career in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows, then went on to compete at the international level in their sports?
Nominations are now open for the annual Hometown Heroes Awards, closing on June 30.
These awards started with a 1997 conversation in the media that "There must be something in the water," recognizing how many great athletes have come out of Maple Ridge, and how this should be celebrated.
Past Hometown Heroes, whose banners can be seen at public venues around the city, include Hall of Fame baseball player Larry Walker, the NHL's Boston Bruins great Cam Neely, and race car driver Greg Moore.
The awards honour and recognized dedicated athletes who have been students in School District 42, who participated in local sports programs, and who have achieved international competition in their sport.
More recently, there have been active athletes like cyclist Maggie Coles-Lyster, Major League baseball player Tyler O'Neill, and national softball team centre fielder Larissa Franklin.
The process involves a biography, reasons the athletes are deserving, and letters of support. More information, and an online nomination form, is available at mapleridge.ca
